lignesantechamplain.ca – Health Services for Champlain

Health News For Champlain

Monday, June 11, 2012
Ottawa Public Health
Be “Sun Smart” and beat the heat this summer

Ottawa – Ottawa Public Health would like to remind residents to be “Sun Smart” during the very hot days of summer.

Remember to protect yourself from the sun and the heat:

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day such as water and juice
Avoid strenuous activities during the intense sunlight hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Avoid caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages - they accelerate the effects of heat exhaustion

Seek shade:

Limit your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Do outdoor activities under a tree, umbrella, or in the shade of a building

Cover up:

Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears and neck
Wear wrap-around sunglasses that provide 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection
Wear tightly woven, loose fitting, full-length shirts and pants

Use sunscreen:

Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays
Apply sunscreen generously 20 minutes before going out in the sun
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, drying off or sweating
Apply sunscreen before using other skin products such as insect repellent or make-up

Babies and children:

Keep babies under one year out of direct sunlight at all times
Place a canopy or umbrella over your baby’s stroller to give shade
Do not apply sunscreen to a baby less than six months old

Be aware of the risks and take preventative steps to protect yourself from the sun and the heat. For more information, visit ottawa.ca/health or contact 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).